Child Sex Abuse

Child sex abuse is a serious issue in Canada and globally. You may be surprised at the numbers but it is estimated that between 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will experience an unwanted sexual act before they reach the age of 18.

Accurate statistics are difficult to acquire as it is estimated that 95% of people are thought not to report their abuse.

Child sex abuse knows no boundaries and is found in all communities and cultures. It does not discriminate and affects all children regardless of socio-economic status, education, ethnicity or gender.

The consequences of child sex abuse are devastating to the victim, their families and loved ones and to all of society. Long term impacts can include mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, panic disorder, suicide and suicidal ideation. The feelings of shame and self-loathing can lead to addiction, intimacy issues and difficulty trusting.

We know that if we can teach people how to recognize and react appropriately to suspicion of abuse and disclosure – that we can make a significant impact on this issue.